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Kings Acquire Jeff Carter from Columbus

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Kings have acquired forward Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first round draft selection in either the 2012 or 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today. Today’s trade is contingent on both players passing physicals

“Jeff is a proven goal scorer in our league. He brings goal-scoring abilities, speed and at his age he is entering the prime of his career. We also like his versatility as he can play both center and wing,” said Lombardi. “We also want to wish Jack Johnson the best going forward.”

Carter, who has scored 30-or more goals three times and 20-or-more goals five times during his six-plus NHL career, is 27 years old. He is signed through the 2021-22 NHL season after inking an 11-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in November 2010. Carter was traded by the Flyers to Columbus on June 23, 2011.

In 500 career NHL regular season games with the Flyers and Blue Jackets Carter has recorded 368 points (196-172=368), 302 penalty minutes and a plus-40 rating. During his six seasons with the Flyers Carter averaged 30 goals, 57 points and 77 games played. With Columbus this season he recorded 25 points (15-10=25) while being limited to 39 games played. He ranks second on the Blue Jackets in goals and leads the club in power-play goals (8). He’s served as an alternate team captain with both Columbus and Philadelphia.

Carter has also appeared in 47 career NHL playoff games, recording 21 points (13-8=21) and 34 penalty minutes. He, along with former and now current teammate Mike Richards, helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010.

Drafted in the first round (11th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the 6-4, 199-pound native of London, Ontario began his NHL career with the Flyers in 2005-06. He reached the 30-goal mark in each of the previous three seasons, including a career-high 46 goals and 84 points in 2008-09.

Last season Carter led Philadelphia in goals (36, seventh in NHL) and game-winning goals (7), while tying the club lead in power-play goals (8). He ranked third on the team in plus-minus (+27) and tied for third in total points (66). Carter also recorded 335 shots, third in the NHL.

In 2009-10 Carter led Philadelphia in goals (33), tied for first on the club in game-winning goals (6) and ranked second in total points (61) and power-play goals (11). Carter also recorded six short-handed goals, 10th in the NHL, and 319 shots, third in the NHL.

In 2008-09 Carter led Philadelphia in goals (46, second in NHL), points (84), game-winning goals (12, also led NHL), power-play goals (13) and plus-minus (+23). Carter, who played in all 82 regular season games in 2008-09, ranked fourth in the NHL in short-handed goals (4) and shots (342). He tied for the league lead in overtime goals (3). Carter was also named a 2009 NHL All-Star, representing the Eastern Conference.

In 2007-08 Carter tied for third on Philadelphia in both goals (29) and game-winning goals (5), while playing in all 82 regular season games. In 2006-07 Carter ranked fourth on Philadelphia in goals (14), assists (23) and points (37). In 2005-06 Carter led Philadelphia rookies in goals (23) and points (42), both marks tying for seventh among NHL rookies. Carter also recorded seven game-winning goals, tied for second among NHL freshmen.

Before his NHL career Carter played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2001-02 through 2004-05). He played for the Philadelphia Phantoms (Flyers American Hockey League affiliate) in the 2004 AHL playoffs, then again at the end of the 2004-05 AHL season, helping the Phantoms capture the 2005 Calder Cup Championship.

Internationally Carter has represented Canada in four different tournaments. He played for Team Canada at the 2003 World U18 Championships, helping the squad earn a gold medal. Carter then played for Team Canada the World Junior Championships, earning a silver medal in 2004 and gold medal in 2005. He was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team in both years and his combined 12 goals during the two-year span tied him with Eric Lindros (and later John Tavares) for Canada’s all-time record at the World Junior Championships. Carter also suited up for Team Canada at the 2006 World Championships.

Johnson, 25, has 24 points (8-16=24) and 24 penalty minutes in 61 games for the Kings this season. In 343 total NHL games (all with the Kings) Johnson has 124 points (30-94=124) and 256 penalty minutes. In 12 career NHL playoff games Johnson has 12 points (1-11=12) and six penalty minutes.

The 6-1, 231-pound native of Indianapolis, Ind. began his NHL career late in the 2006-07 season after finishing his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. He was originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round (third overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The Kings acquired Johnson from Carolina on Sept. 29, 2006 for Oleg Tverdovsky and Eric Belanger.